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Black Friday

Name: Black Friday
Director: Arthur Lubin
Released: 1940
Duration: 70 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1940

Approved

Director

Arthur Lubin

Runtime

70 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Black Friday is a classic example of its time, reinforcing the social and demographic norms of the 1940s. The film focuses on suspense and mystery rather than challenging social norms. Although the central premise involves a unique neurological condition and dual personality, the condition is primarily used as a plot device for horror rather than a detailed exploration of lived experience. The film does not offer storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity or disrupt typical demographic representations, maintaining a conventional perspective.

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Category Breakdown

Does Black Friday have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities in the film. It stays within the conventional social structures of the 1940s without any queer undertones.

How does Black Friday portray gender?

Limited

Male characters dominate the story, holding most of the ability to act. The narrative upholds traditional gender roles and does not challenge these norms.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Black Friday?

Minimal

The cast is uniform and fits the era's typical makeup. There is no indication of non-white casting or intentional racial diversity.

How does Black Friday represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story follows a traditional Western crime narrative, focusing on suspense and aligning with mid-century social norms.

Does Black Friday include disability representation?

Fair

The plot centers on a neurological condition from a brain transplant, used mainly to create psychological suspense and horror.

Present on Screen

The central plot revolves around a unique neurological condition and dual personality, providing a strong engine for psychological suspense.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, presenting a homogeneous cast typical of the era.
Gender roles are strictly traditional, with ability to act concentrated almost exclusively in male characters.
The representation of disability is used primarily as a horror cliché rather than a nuanced character study.

Official Synopsis

University professor George Kingsley is struck by gangsters while crossing the street, leaving him with brain damage and one of the gangsters, Cannon, paralyzed. Kingsley's friend Dr. Sovac attends to both men, and when Cannon offers him a reward for aiding his recovery, Kovac transplants part of Cannon's brain into the dying Kingsley's skull, creating a dual personality.

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